Life Plan Devotion #77 [God's Armor--Shield of Faith, Part V]

Hi, Everyone.
When I finally got revelation about today's topic, I was overwhelmed with grief for the past and then excitement for the future. It has made such a big difference in my life. I'm not perfect at it, yet, but let me just say...What a difference faith makes!
Have a wonderful day, and, as always, I love hearing from you and what God is teaching you and doing in your life.

Life Plan Devotion #77 [God's Armor--Shield of Faith, Part V]

     Last time, we reflected on what the Shield of Faith looks like. Today, let's look at what it does. Ephesians 6:16 says, "Above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one." We'll look at those "fiery darts" tomorrow.
     Faith is being sure that God will keep His promises. The Shield of Faith in God protects you when you are tempted to doubt. Psalm 125:1 says that "Those who trust in the LORD are as secure as Mount Zion; they will not be defeated but will endure forever." Do you trust in God, completely? Do you believe that nothing can defeat you?
     Your toughest battles will concern matters of faith--times when you'll be tempted to think God's Word and His ways won't work for you, that He has abandoned you, let you down, or failed to come through for you. If Satan can get you to drop your Shield of Faith, he knows you won't remain standing for very long.
     When your defensive Shield of Faith is down, every gate into your "palace" is wide open, unguarded. Satan's forces can walk right in and take whatever they want, without having to put up a fight. Doubting God and His Word causes your Shield of Faith to clatter to the ground, but you might not even hear a sound.
     Be careful. Be vigilant. Plaster your Shield of Faith with God's Word, and then hold it up, believing and affirming that 1) God is who He says He is, 2) God can do what He says He can do, 3) I am who God says I am, 4) I can do all things through Christ, and 5) God's Word is alive and active in me! [5-point Shield of Faith by Beth Moore]

I Peter 5:8-9
"Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. Stand firm against him, and be strong in your faith."

What this has to do with weight loss: I Peter 5:8-9 gives a whole new meaning to the saying, "It's not what you're eating; it's what's eating you." When you know you're being obedient in matters of food and exercise, take a look at the possibility that the enemy may be devouring you, so that you're experiencing a stall or other forms of weight-loss defeat. Trust me, he'll do what he can, he'll use what he can to cause you to stumble and fall. The Shield of Faith in God and His Word, if you keep it raised high, will defeat your enemy, and you'll see victory in your life and body.

Prayer for Today:
"Heavenly Father, I wonder how many times I've allowed my Shield of Faith to lower and even clatter to the ground. I wonder how many bouts of sickness, how many "upsets" and even crises Satan has been able to bring to me because I did not wield my Shield. I can't go back and change any of that, Lord, but right here, right now, I say to the enemy, "NO MORE!" I'm keeping my Shield up, in front of me, with all the power of Your Word behind what I know to be true!  In Jesus' Name. Amen."

Go forth today, and wield the Shield of Faith.

Blessings,
Mary